Individual readiness system

ABSTRACT

An individual readiness system can comprise a gun cleaning kit, a strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool, and a multi-purpose tool. The individual readiness system can further comprise a carrying case attachable to a pistol belt or a harness strap, the carrying case being intended for carrying the components of the individual readiness system. The individual readiness system can be carried by military personnel and employed in the field training or combat for gun cleaning, equipment repairs, as well as in emergency situations requiring e.g., breaking a window to clear an egress route.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to combined gun cleaning and tool kits used by individuals such as members of the armed services, and in particular to providing an individual readiness system that facilitates gun cleaning, emergency egress route clearing, and equipment maintenance and repairs by members of military and other personnel working in a field training or combat environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Members of military and other personnel working in a field training or combat environment need to be able to regularly and efficiently clean their weapons, e.g., M-16 assault rifles. They also often need to perform equipment maintenance and repairs in the field conditions. Further, in light of a marked increase in the use of improvised explosive devices or road bombs to attack military convoys or individual vehicles, the members of military and other personnel need to be able to facilitate evacuating themselves or trapped or injured persons and to clear an egress route in an emergency situation. Thus, a need exists in an efficient packaging of multiple tools facilitating the performance of the above listed tasks and being easily accessible to a member of military and other personnel in exigent circumstances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the objects of the invention, reference will be made to the following detailed description of the invention which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, where:

FIGS. 1 a-1 b illustrate an embodiment of a carrying case configured to accommodate the components of the individual readiness system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 a illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a gun cleaning kit according to the invention;

FIG. 2 b illustrates a carrying case insert configured to accommodate the components of a gun cleaning kit according to the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool according to the invention; and

FIGS. 4 a-4 c illustrate an embodiment of a multi-function tool according to the invention.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The individual readiness system according to the invention can comprise a gun cleaning kit, a strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool, and a multi-function tool. The individual readiness system can further comprise a carrying case configured to accommodate the system components and to provide for rapid access to each of the components. The carrying case can be made of a resilient material, such as leather, nylon, etc. The carrying case can be wearable on a pistol belt, a harness strap, or a back pack of a member of military or other personnel working, e.g., in a combat or field training environment.

The individual readiness system can be employed by a member of military or other personnel in a field training or combat environment for gun cleaning, equipment maintenance and repairs, as well as in emergency situations requiring e.g., evacuating a trapped or injured person, or breaking a window to clear an egress route. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other uses of the individual readiness system are within the scope and the spirit of the invention.

The carrying case is now being described with references to FIGS. 1 a-1 b. The carrying case 140 can be divided into two or more compartments. The two or more compartments can be configured to accommodate the multi-function tool 400, the gun cleaning kit (not shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 b), and the strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool 300. In one embodiment, the two or more compartments can have flaps 150 a, 150 b, best viewed in FIG. 1 a. In one embodiment, the flaps 150 a, 150 b can be configured to be secured by snap fasteners 152 a, 152 b respectively. In another embodiment, the flaps 150 a, 150 b can be configured to be secured by Velcro™ fasteners (not shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 b).

The carrying case 140 can have a belt strap 190, best viewed in FIG. 1 b. The belt strap 190 can extend longitudinally along one of the sides of the carrying case 140. The belt strap 190 can be employed for attaching the carrying case to a pistol belt, a harness strap, or a back pack of a member of military or other personnel working, e.g., in a combat or field training environment. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other ways of carrying the carrying case are within the scope and the spirit of the invention.

In one embodiment, a first end of the belt strap 190 can be permanently attached to the carrying case 140, while a second end of the belt strap 190 can be configured to be detachably attached to the carrying case 140, to facilitate mounting of the carrying case 140 onto a pistol belt, a harness strap, or a back pack of a member of military or other personnel working, e.g., in a combat or field training environment. In one embodiment, the second end of the belt strap 190 can be detachably attached to the carrying case 140 using a snap fastener 196. In another embodiment (not shown in FIG. 1 b), the second end of the belt strap 190 can be detachably attached to the carrying case 140 using a Velcro™ fastener.

The carrying case can also include one or more horizontal support straps 193. The horizontal support straps can be spaced vertically along the back of the case to facilitate the use of ALICE clips (not shown) to attach the case to the member's belt, vest, harness, or other equipment.

A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that while the carrying case 140 is shown having a generally rectangular shape, any other form factors that permit accommodating the components of the individual readiness system is within the scope and the spirit of the invention.

The gun cleaning is now being described with references to FIGS. 2 a-2 b. The gun cleaning kit can be employed for gun cleaning in a field training or combat environment, e.g., by a member of military or other personnel carrying the individual readiness system. In one embodiment, the gun cleaning kit 200 can be provided by an M-16 Butt Stock Kit available from Otis Technology, Inc. (Lyons Falls, N.Y.) intended for cleaning M-16 assault riffles.

The gun cleaning kit 200 can comprise a flexible cleaning rod 210 and an extension rod 211. The gun cleaning kit 200 can further comprise one or more slotted tips 212, obstruction removers 213, and/or handles 216 having male threaded fittings with which they can attach to female threaded fittings at the ends of the rods 210 and 211. The gun cleaning kit 200 can further comprise one or more brushes, including a chamber brush 214, a bore brush, and an all-purpose brush 215. The gun cleaning kit 200 can further comprise a tube 218 containing bore solvent. The gun cleaning kit can further comprise a bore reflector 222. The bore reflector 222 can be shaped as a j-hook and can be used to reflect the ambient light into the gun chamber. The bore reflector can be made of a translucent polymer. The gun cleaning kit 200 can further comprise one or more cleaning patches 220. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other embodiments of the gun cleaning kit are within the scope and the spirit of the invention.

The components composing the gun cleaning kit 200 can be placed into a carrying case insert 290, best viewed in FIG. 2 b. The carrying case insert 290 can be configured to be inserted into one of the compartments of the carrying case 140 of FIG. 1.

The strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool 300 of FIG. 1 is now being described with references to FIG. 3. The strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool can be employed in an emergency situation by a member of military or other personnel carrying the individual readiness system. The strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool can be employed, e.g., to clear an egress route by breaking a window, or to cut straps trapping a person. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other uses of the strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool are within the scope and the spirit of the invention.

In one embodiment, the strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool 300 can be provided by ASEK Strap Cutter available from The Ontario Knife Company (Franklinville, N.Y.). The strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool 300 can comprise a handle 310, a strap cutter 312 and a window breaker tip 315. The strap cutter 312 can be employed to cut webbings, cord, cloth, etc. In one embodiment, the strap cutter 312 can include one or more replaceable blades 313. The blades 313 can be configured to form a V-shaped notch, or can be curved to form a U- or J-shaped notch with a curved surface to keep the cutting surfaces clear of cutting debris The one or more replaceable blades 313 can be attached to a first end of the handle 310 using one or more screws 314. The window breaker tip 315 can be detachably attached to a second end of the handle 310 using one or more screws 316.

In one embodiment, the strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool 300 can further comprise a lanyard 320 attached to the handle 310. A head 321 attached to the lanyard 320 can remain outside of the carrying case to permit a member to locate the emergency tool by feel in reduced visibility situations. In another embodiment, the strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool 300 can further comprise a honing rod 317 attached to the handle 310. The strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool 300 can be finished, e.g., with zinc phosphate or other rust inhibitor.

A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other embodiments of the strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool are within the scope and the spirit of the invention.

The multi-function tool 400 is now being described with references to FIGS. 4 a-4 c. The multi-function tool 400 can be employed by a member of military or other personnel carrying the individual readiness system, e.g., for equipment maintenance and repairs in a field training or combat environment. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other uses of the multi-functional tool 400 are within the scope and the spirit of the invention.

In one embodiment, the multi-function tool 400 can comprise a variety of tools including bluntnose pliers 410; insert cutter 420; a wire crimper; a fine edge knife 440; a serrated knife 450; a cross point screwdriver 460; small, medium and large flat blade screwdrivers 470 a-470 c; a lanyard ring; a can opener 490; and a ruler 495. In one embodiment, the multi-function tool 400 can be made of black oxide coated stainless steel. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other embodiments of the multi-function tool are within the scope and the spirit of the invention. In one embodiment, the multi-function tool 400 can be telescopically collapsible as best viewed in FIGS. 4 b-4 c.

While the present invention has been described with references to applications in a field training or combat environment, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the individual readiness system according to the invention can be employed in other environments where personnel is required to maintain a desired level of individual readiness.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred mode as illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. 

1. An individual readiness system comprising: a gun cleaning kit; strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool configured to facilitate clearing egress routes; a multi-purpose tool configured to facilitate equipment maintenance and repairs; and a carrying case, the carrying case being attachable to one of: a pistol belt, a harness strap, a back pack; wherein the carrying case is configured to accommodate the gun cleaning kit, the strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool, and the multi-purpose tool.
 2. The individual readiness system of claim 1, wherein the carrying case includes one or more compartments; and wherein the one or more compartments are configured to accommodate the multi-function tool, the gun cleaning kit, and the strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool.
 3. The individual readiness system of claim 1, wherein the carrying case includes a belt strap; and wherein the belt strap is configured for detachably attaching the carrying case to one of: a pistol belt, a harness strap, a back pack.
 4. The individual readiness system of claim 1, wherein the carrying case includes a belt strap; wherein the belt strap is configured for detachably attaching the carrying case to one of: a pistol belt, a harness strap, a back pack; wherein the belt strap comprises a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the belt strap is permanently attached to the carrying case; and wherein the second end of the belt strap is configured to be detachably attached to the carrying case to facilitate mounting of the carrying case onto one of: a pistol belt, a harness strap, a back pack.
 5. The individual readiness system of claim 1, wherein the carrying case includes one or more horizontal support straps, the one or more horizontal support straps configured to facilitate using of ALICE clips to attach the carrying case to one of: a pistol belt, a harness strap, a back pack.
 6. The individual readiness system of claim 1, wherein the gun cleaning kit comprises at least one item from the group consisting of: a flexible cleaning rod, an extension rod, one or more slotted tips, a chamber brush, a bore brush, an all-purpose brush, a tube containing bore solvent, a bore reflector, one or more cleaning patches.
 7. The individual readiness system of claim 1, wherein the strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool includes a strap cutter, and a window breaker tip.
 8. The individual readiness system of claim 1, wherein the strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool includes a strap cutter, and a window breaker tip; and wherein the strap cutter includes one or more replaceable blades.
 9. The individual readiness system of claim 1, wherein the strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool includes a strap cutter, a window breaker tip, and a lanyard.
 10. The individual readiness system of claim 1, wherein the strap cutter/window breaker emergency tool includes a strap cutter, a window breaker tip, and a honing rod.
 11. The individual readiness system of claim 1, wherein the multi-function tool comprises at least one item from the group consisting of: a bluntnose pliers, an insert cutter, a wire crimper, a fine edge knife, a serrated knife, a cross point screwdriver, a flat blade screwdriver, a lanyard ring, a can opener, and a ruler.
 12. The individual readiness system of claim 1, wherein the multi-function tool is configured to be telescopically collapsible. 